What was characteristic for the development of the post-reform industry? Main results of the industrial revolution

The development of industry in the post-reform period is characterized by the emergence of new, capitalist relations. The abolition of serfdom and a set of reforms created the prerequisites for transformations in all spheres of the country's economic life. About what was characteristic for the development of post-reform industry in the Russian Empire, briefly described in this article.

Preconditions for the development of industry

At the end of the XIX century, the industrial revolution was almost completed. The Russian empire increased its economic potential at a tremendous rate, the volume of industrial production grew seven-fold compared to the middle of the century. The main thing that was typical for the development of the post-reform industry is listed below:

- Cheap labor. In connection with the abolition of serfdom in the Russian Empire, many peasants appeared who possessed personal freedom, but did not have landed property at the same time. In search of livelihoods, many people moved to places where they could live and earn. So near the large industrial enterprises there were new cities.

- Numerous economic reforms that have made the economy of the country more open and attractive for foreign investors.

- Successful application of the latest technological discoveries, use of skills and knowledge of specialists from different countries.

- Powerful state support, including financial support, of large domestic capital.

Foreign capital

Factories and factories were created with a significant quota of foreign capital, which was typical for the development of the post-reform industry. Shipbuilding, mining, chemical and engineering industries attracted German, French, Belgian and British capitalists. The food and light industry was more interested in domestic investors. State interests were concentrated on the defense sector of the economy.

Geography of industrial regions

Most of the industrial enterprises concentrated in several parts of the country. Donbass, northwest of Russia, the Urals and Baku have become the main industrial regions of the Russian Empire. The remaining areas continued to lead agrarian and artisan farming. Such geographical selectivity is explained by the simultaneous concentration of cheap labor, minerals and convenient logistics in these places, which means that production here promised to become super-profitable, which was typical for the development of the post-reform industry.

Post-reform results

The industrial revolution was almost completed by the 1880s. For one generation there was a transition from the obsolete manufactory to the factory process. Steam machines replaced manual labor. The fragmentation of production into individual small operations made technology less costly. The active construction of railways pushed for the creation of numerous joint-stock companies and commercial banks. Railway transport promoted the development of trade and stimulated the state financial system.

By 1880, the Russian Empire in terms of industrial growth ranked first in the world. The post-reform industry, active financial assistance from other countries and the use of discoveries in science and technology made it possible to maintain a high rate of economic development. And powerful state support made real even the most daring projects, such as the exploration of Siberia and the exploration of the Arctic regions of the Russian North.